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yes i was succsesfull,i am now 8th kyu.The first small step towards a very enjoyable akido journey.I was nervous before the test but confidant on my abilities.Does any have any stories on testing at the early stages of akido? Do the butterflies continue? and are there any suggestions on how to ignore them .

From my experience, the first test was the most difficult in terms of nerves. I haven't tested in a while, but I was pretty nervous still then. I used to compete in equestrian events (okay, not the same, but you get the gist) and had terrible butterflies before I went into the ring, but they went away as soon as I was on course. Same for testing in aikido; terrible nerves before and then they go away once the test starts. I think that the nerves serve a good purpose in testing. Keep you on your toes.

yes i was succsesfull,i am now 8th kyu. (...) I was nervous before the test but confidant on my abilities.Does any have any stories on testing at the early stages of akido? Do the butterflies continue?

Congratulations, now get back to practice . And don't worry, the nerves will get less with every test. At least, they did with me - I tested for 2nd kyu a couple of days ago and I was hardly nervous.

In our dojo, Sensei decides when you test, and you're not allowed to test unless he thinks you're ready (the real test happens all the time, at every training session); that also helps build some confidence of course.

Quote:

kevin gillis wrote:

and are there any suggestions on how to ignore them .

*shrugs* Don't bother trying to ignore them, it'll only make you more nervous. Just let them be, and make sure you step on the mat well-prepared.

To do is to be. (Nietzsche) ... To be is to do. (Descartes) ... Do be do be do. (Sinatra).

Well i`m pleased to hear you graded successfully, yes it does get better but the butterflies never go away. As an experienced aikidoka I now get very nervous for my students when they grade. I just hope that they keep their centre and practice as they normally train. I have four students attempting shodan in a couple of weeks.

Its worse for them as i am also on the panel and their severest critic.

didn't you find every emotion went through you though, from fear to jubilation. Ive graded a few times and find that I'm still felling that way. Every time you grade the level of expectancy of your capability rises so when you do a more senior grade you hope it's looks better than the last. You wont know though until your instructor says you have passed. Enjoy them all though they are all learning curves.

Just got back from a 3 week trip to Japan, where we trained with my Sensei's Sensei (and like 20 people all above san-dan, 3 of which are go-dans). I wasn't expected to test, but was asked at the last minute to test for 1st kyu. So, with a juvenille kendo class going on next door (those kiais were LOUD!), and unfamiliar tatamis underfoot and knee (soft, but sticky)... let's just say it was an "unforgettable" experience, as I am sure yours was, Kevin; congrats!

PS This was the first video-tapped tests I have done, and found the review of the tape to be eye opening; do most people have their tests taped? (maybe an interesting topic on it's own).

My first grade was unbelievably nervy. I was also berated by a shodan during the practice that preceeded the gradings who said I should rethink taking the test. It was pretty much the last thing I needed to hear when feeling as nervous as I was. Thankfully I passed and proved to myself that I could do it, couldn't help but feel smug that I proved this particular Yudansha wrong too.

This was the first video-tapped tests I have done, and found the review of the tape to be eye opening; do most people have their tests taped?

We don't normally tape the the kyu tests. If someone wants theirs taped and brings a camera they of course can tape it. We do tape the dan tests. Well actually we tape the dan pre-tests. Basically we test and it is taped. Sensei lets the testee review the tape first and write down any thing that the testee sees that should be worked on. Next sensei reviews the tape and looks for stuff that he feels should be fixed. Next the whole class views the tape and offers up the things they saw that need fixing. If sensei feels that there really isn't that much to "fix" then he will let the pre-test stand as the actual test. If there is enough stuff wrong to warrant another go around the person is usually given 3 to 6 months to make the corrections before they take their "real" test.

Bronson

"A pacifist is not really a pacifist if he is unable to make a choice between violence and non-violence. A true pacifist is able to kill or maim in the blink of an eye, but at the moment of impending destruction of the enemy he chooses non-violence."

At one point I got a total blackout and thought of stopping, but it passed and passed alright.

My next test was about a year later. It went a great deal better. I was nervous but I worked hard for it and nothing came as a surprise so I built my confidence as I went along.

That was all more than a year ago and I should have graded again. I have many things going on, so my sensei is giving me the time to settle things down.

In any case, I'm not in a hurry to any black belt exam so I really don't mind how much time it takes me to get there. I enjoy training and all that aikido is about and since I hope to do it all my life, there is no reason to hurry along.